Chapter 32 Shut up! Don't Give Me a Nickname!

Hanma and Hanzo stared at each other from a distance, both wishing the other was dead but unable to do anything about it. 

If they continued to fight like this, even if Hanma managed to kill Hanzo, he would likely suffer a desperate self-destruct attack from Hanzo. Taking such a hit wouldn't be fatal, but it wasn't worth it. 

From Hanma's twenty-three years of experience in Konoha, killing Hanzo would likely not be an achievement but rather a significant blemish. Danzo, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, often mockingly referred to by many netizens as "Konoha's Internal Conflict F4," weren't without reason. The political aptitude of these four could only be described as "hard to say." However, when it came to causing trouble for their own people, these few were certainly skilled. If Hanma killed Hanzo, he could already envision them blaming him. 

"The village's task is to moderately suppress the Rain Shinobi. As a ninja of the village, not following orders should be punished." 

That would be Homura Mitokado, always appearing fair and just, but with an unhealthy demand for obedience from ninjas. 

"How dare you! This could provoke a war between two villages, or even a world war! You must take responsibility!" 

That would be Koharu Utatane, who always looked unpleasant and was one of the few pacifists in the ninja world. 

"Well done, Hanma." 

That would be Danzo Shimura, who, although he would probably not oppose killing Hanzo, would later stir up public opinion to suppress any rising stars in Konoha. 

"Sigh, this is difficult. Let's hold a meeting to discuss it. You go back and wait for the decision." 

That would be Hiruzen Sarutobi, who liked to play peacemaker, always appearing kind but indecisive in his role as Hokage. 

"The Uchiha clan has grown too powerful; we must find a way to deal with them. Summon the Anbu to closely monitor the Uchiha district!" 

That would be the chorus of the four. As disciples of Tobirama Senju, they had indeed learned a few things, but each had inherited only a part. Danzo only knew brute force, Homura only knew restraint, Koharu only knew appeasement, and Hiruzen only knew how to hold meetings for further study. They all claimed to inherit Tobirama's will, but never realized that their teacher was a complex individual. 

Tobirama Senju, as the Second Hokage, dared to wage war to maintain the village's honor, dared to innovate by establishing the Ninja Academy, dared to establish peace treaties with the Land of Lightning, and dared to sacrifice himself to ensure the future of others. As a statesman in the world of Naruto, he was indeed remarkable. 

Thinking of these few "dragons and phoenixes" (superfluous talents), Hanma's fighting spirit cooled considerably. It wasn't necessary, it wasn't worth it, why bother? To deliver two boxes of condolence fruit and a big tombstone to Tsunade? 

The bloody thunder armor on Hanma's body began to disintegrate, and the blood energy returned to his body, starting to block the poison inside. 

With a sigh, he looked at Hanzo and spoke seriously: 

"You know, I'm just an ordinary ninja of Konoha, just completing my mission." 

"This attack is your Rain Shinobi's provocation against Konoha. I'm just carrying out a task, out of my control. But there is one thing I can tell you." 

Hanzo, seeing Hanma suddenly lose his fighting spirit, became wary. What kind of strange approach was this? 

"Speak," he responded coldly. 

Hanma scratched his head and earnestly said, "You know the Shadow of the Ninja, right? He ordered me to do it and told me it was just to eliminate Rain Shinobi's Anbu." 

"If I had known it was your son, I wouldn't have taken this job. I have always respected you as a senior in the ninja world." 

This was indeed the truth, albeit with a bit of insincerity mixed in. 

As for Danzo Shimura, he already had countless black marks and blood debts. Adding one more didn't matter, right? 

Hanma waved a big hand, crediting this accomplishment to the esteemed advisory of the Hokage. 

Hanzo didn't believe him about respect, as the ruthlessness in Hanma's fighting showed a clear intent to kill. 

However, Danzo Shimura, the Shadow of the Ninja, such a thing was indeed something he would do. 

"I'll remember this grudge," Hanzo thought. 

Taking a large step back, Hanzo maintained a vigilant posture and slowly spoke: 

"The arrogance of Konoha is known throughout the ninja world, no need to mention it again." 

"Today's war has left a deep impression on me. We will meet again on the battlefield." 

"A ninja like you deserves to be celebrated in the ninja world, so I will bestow upon you—" 

Hanma's body tensed; this old geezer, always so eager to give others nicknames. 

Just now, you didn't win, so why forcefully give someone a title? 

When it comes to nicknames given by him, the outcomes have always been intriguing. 

Jiraiya ended up in the belly of a fish, Tsunade spent her life lonely, and Orochimaru died multiple times before eventually changing his ways. 

Hanzo's accolades were as good as Hidan's curse techniques. Seeing Hanzo about to speak, Hanma loudly stopped him. 

"Stop!!" 

"I am just an ordinary Konoha ninja. I suggest you give such elaborate titles to Senior Danzo!" 

"Also, Senior Hanzo, you wouldn't want the whole ninja world to know that the poison of your salamander can be neutralized, right?" 

Hanzo's face turned ugly. He still didn't know how Hanma had neutralized the poison of his salamander. 

He refused to believe that human physical prowess could withstand the potent venom of his salamander. 

In Hanzo's mind, Hanma had already been labeled as a "terrifying medical and taijutsu ninja." 

"Hmph, my praise is something many people crave," Hanzo said, maintaining his composure. "We'll meet again on the battlefield, young Konoha ninja." 

Even though his internal organs were in excruciating pain and his left hand hung limply, Hanzo remained dignified as a senior in the ninja world, and then quickly retreated. 

Watching Hanzo's hasty departure, Hanma smiled. 

"Hanzo the Salamander, such an interesting and strong opponent." 

Leaving the hellish battlefield, Hanma took out a summoning scroll and summoned his black eagle. 

"Hei, go back to Konoha and tell Tsunade and the Third Hokage that I'm fine but need some self-recovery. I'll return in five days." 

"Understood," the silent Hei spread its wings and flew towards Konoha. 

A day later. 

Hanma leisurely lay in the bath of the daimyō mansion in the Land of Bears, adjusting his body. Post-battle vacations were always delightful. 

Meanwhile, in Konoha, Tsunade, Danzo, and the Third Hokage were engaged in a fierce argument. 

"Danzo, what was your intention in sending Hanma to face Hanzo alone, you bastard!" 

Tsunade angrily questioned.